When reading the latest issue of 'Eventing USA', several of the comments by the advanced riders (pgs. 73-77) echoed concerns I've heard from lower level amateur riders; mainly decorations that are designed to be crowd pleasers instead of horse friendly, technical questions that can be confusing to the horse, and opitmum speeds.  The question of optimum speed/making time was viewed differently by Bruce Davidson than Leslie Law, and I guess I'm of the old school because I agree with Bruce.

My question is:  Why call it 'Optimum Time' if it is only attainable by a few riders?  When I began eventing, I was told that Optimum Time was the time you SHOULD be able to achieve with no jumping faults and a proper average speed as listed in the Omnibus.  You expected to finish within the OT if you were solid at your level, and if you went too slow then you were penalized.  Of course, it was your responsibility to know your horse's readiness for the level and judge your speed accordingly.  You shouldn't expect to make OT if you were new to that level.

Also, several years ago optimum speeds at the lower levels were fairly consistently listed as BN @ 325mpm, N @ 350mpm, and T @ 400-425mpm.  Flip through an Omnibus from this past year and you'll find that many HTs now have quicker optimum speeds.  Is this wise if the questions the horse and rider are being asked to consider are more technical?  Why increase speeds if there is a method for determining final standings in case of a tie in a division by looking at who comes CLOSEST to the optimum time?  Speed faults and the need to come as close as possible to OT should encourage riders NOT to speed unsafely around a course. 

I think the new USEA president, Kevin Baumgardner, is doing a good job of initiating  discussions on this issue and listening to everyone.  Hopefully, the USEA task force on safety will come up with suggestions that will meet most of the concerns across all levels of ability.  Lori's point to make your voice/opinion heard is a good one.  Kevin Baumgardner provides a phone no. and email address for all to use for that purpose.